Cassidian introduces new transmit and receive modules for AESA technology

Cassidian has manufactured a new generation of transmit and receive modules (TRMs) to provide the active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology with electronic beam scanning capabilities that were previously unattainable.

The newly launched modules are designed to enhance AESA antennas’ multi-mode and multi-tasking capabilities, whilst reducing production costs.

Commenting on the modules, Cassidian Sensors & Electronic Warfare unit head Dr. Elmar Compans said: "Our new-generation modules increase radar performance, while the cost of production is reduced by more than 30%."

Industrial production of TRMs has been optimised by the company using a standard design based on a modular principle, with an aim to expand the use of AESA radars in various future reconnaissance and surveillance fields.

The modules have received environmental qualification to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60748.

Cassidian products already equipped with the new TRMs include the future e-scan radar, which is scheduled to be integrated into Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft in 2015, the Spexer family of security radars, and the spaceborne earth observation radars.

An improvised version of the older passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radars, AESA helps ships and aircraft to remain stealthy and sends powerful radar signals across a band of frequencies.